The use of technology as one of the possible means of performing instructor tasks: Putting technology acceptance in context

For many instructors in higher education, use of a learning management system (LMS) is de facto mandatory. Nevertheless, instructors often have much freedom in deciding which functionalities of the LMS they use; that is, whether they perform each individual instructor task using the LMS. Alternatively, they may perform one specific instructor task using alternative means, or, quite often, not perform it at all. The current Technology Acceptance model (TAM) fails to describe this decision process accurately, as TAM (1) does not focus on the level of the individual task; (2) does not make a distinction between not performing a task and performing a task using alternative means; and (3) does not recognize one important factor that affects the performance of a specific task—task importance. A test of three different models shows that the decision process is best represented as a two-step process. First, influenced by task importance, a choice is made to either perform a specific task or not. Second, after the decision has been made to perform the task, and influenced by the usefulness and ease of use of the LMS, a choice is made between performing the task using the LMS and using alternative means.     

Using an adapted,task-level technology acceptance model to explain why instructors in higher education intend to use some learning management system tools more than others

Instructors in higher education perform some instructional tasks much more often using a learning management system (LMS) tool than other tasks. In studies that aim to explain these differences, the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) perspective is missing. In this study, an adapted, task-level TAM questionnaire was used to measure task importance, task performance, LMS usefulness, LMS ease of use, and intention to use an LMS for 18 different instructional tasks among 180 instructors at a Dutch research university. The results show that low intention to use an LMS can be explained by (1) low task importance or performance, and/or (2) low LMS usefulness, and/or (3) low LMS ease of use level. The LMS tools and tasks within each of the three groups were not related substantively. This raises a question regarding whether an instructor's LMS intention level can best be explained by the combination of a specific tool, a specific instructional task, and a specific user interface.     

Technology acceptance model for the use of information technology in universities

The problem described in this research is to identify which factors influence on engineering students about their acceptance of an academic administrative information system in private universities in Lima, Peru. The objective is to identify factors by proposing a Technology Acceptance Model of an Academic and Administrative Information System. University population is described, both private and public. The investigation is based on two private universities. The results show the relationship between the selected variables. Finally, recommendations are given to act on the variables that determine the acceptance of information technology.     

Investigating e-learning system usage outcomes in the university context

This paper investigates the outcomes of e-learning systems adoption and use by conceptualizing three e-learning systems adoption outcome constructs namely perceived learning assistance, perceived community building assistance and perceived academic performance. Utilizing these constructs, the paper proposes a research model for assessing the possible outcomes of e-learning systems adoption and use. The study collected longitudinal survey data from 249 university students participating in hybrid courses using a popular learning management system, Moodle. Partial least squares (PLS) approach was then used to test the research model.The findings suggest that beliefs about perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, and how an e-learning system is used influence students' perceived learning assistance and perceived community building assistance. In turn, perceived learning assistance and perceived community building assistance influence the students' perceived academic performance.     

The impact of use context on mobile services acceptance: The case of mobile ticketing

The most important factor in the decision to adopt mobile systems is user perception of their value. However, behavioral theory suggests that context affects user attitude and therefore influences acceptance. We therefore hypothesized that the benefits of mobile systems should be evaluated against users’ contextual needs and that reduced dependence on time and place required providing service at any time and place needed by the user. Mental costs or costs of learning to use the system, however, may not be evaluated in the same way, because system use and learning about it are acts with different contexts. Our findings advance knowledge of IT adoption and suggest that we should start to identify the contexts of both the benefits of use and in learning to use the system.     

Investigating mobile wireless technology adoption: An extension of the technology acceptance model

This research represents a theoretical extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which IS researchers have used to explain technologies’ perceived usefulness and individuals intention to use it. The authors developed a model, referred to as the Mobile Wireless Technology Acceptance Model (MWTAM), to test the relationship between theoretical constructs spanning technological influence processes (Perceived Ubiquity, and Perceived Reachability) and cognitive influence processes (Job Relevance, Perceived Usefulness, and Perceived Ease of Use) and their impact on Behavioral Intention. MWTAM is assessed using data collected from an online survey and analyzed using AMOS 5.0. Results provide evidence to support MWTAM as both the technological and cognitive influence processes accounted for 58.7% of the variance explained in an individual’s Behavioral Intention toward using mobile wireless technology. Additionally, the path coefficients between constructs ranged from 0.241 to 0.572 providing further evidence to support the theoretical extension of TAM.

VCR: Virtual community recommender using the technology acceptance model and the user’s needs type

A recommender system is a kind of automated and sophisticated decision support system that is needed to provide a personalized solution in a brief form without going through a complicated search process. There have been a substantial number of studies to make recommender systems more accurate and efficient, however, most of them have a common critical limitation – these systems are used as virtual salespeople, rather than as marketing tools. A crucial reason for this phenomenon is that the models suggested by prior studies only focus on a user’s behavioral outcomes without consideration of the embedded procedure. In this study, we propose a novel recommender system based on user’s behavioral model. Our proposed system, labeled VCR—virtual community recommender, recommends optimal virtual communities for an active user by case-based reasoning (CBR) using behavioral factors suggested in the technology acceptance model (TAM) and its extended models. In addition, it refines its recommendation results by considering the user’s needs type at the point of usage. To test the usefulness of our recommendation model, we conducted two-step validation–empirical validation for the collected data set, and practical validation to investigate the actual satisfaction level of users. Experimental results showed that our model outperformed all comparative models from the perspective of user satisfaction.     

A structural equation modeling of the Internet acceptance in Korea

The objective of this study is to develop and test an integrated conceptual model of the Internet acceptance. Based on the two dominant theoretical paradigms – the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and the technology acceptance model (TAM) – we propose a model of the Internet acceptance to investigate the relationship between external variables such as individual differences, task characteristics and management support, and individual acceptance of the Internet. The model is tested using data gathered from 374 end users of the Internet in Korean firms and data analysis is conducted using a structural equation modeling with LISREL. Significant relationships are found between experience and usefulness, between experience and ease of use, and between ease of use and usefulness. Organizational support is found to influence usefulness, ease of use and subjective norm. We also observe that actual usage is not influenced by subjective norm, but significantly influenced by experience, usefulness and ease of use. This result implies that individual acceptance of the Internet is significantly related to external factors such as experience, task characteristics and organizational characteristics rather than beliefs.     

Researching instructional use and the technology acceptation of learning management systems by secondary school teachers

The aim of this large-scale study was to understand the technology acceptation of learning management systems (LMS) by secondary school teachers and to investigate the instructional use of LMS, distinguishing between informational use and communicational use. The predictive model further includes: perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, subjective norm, personal innovativeness in the domain of information technology, experience and internal ICT support at school level. Data were collected from 505 Flemish secondary school teachers. After performing satisfactory reliability and validity checks, the study was able to support all relationships among the 9 variables. Informational use was found to be a precursor for communicational use, perceived ease of use of the LMS is the strongest predictor in LMS-acceptation. Internal ICT support has a direct effect on the informational use of the LMS and on subjective norm. Implications stress that secondary school managers in education should take into account the importance of a teachers’ efforts and performance perceptions and the direct and indirect impact of internal ICT support on LMS adoption.     

Learning management systems and cloud file hosting services: A study on students’ acceptance

The aim of this paper is to investigate the motivations that lead higher education students to replace several Learning Management Systems (LMS) services with cloud file hosting services for information sharing and collaboration among them. The research approach is based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). More specifically, the model is devoted to identifying barriers and enablers to the acceptance of these technologies. A questionnaire comprising three factors (Attitude toward using technology, Perceived ease of use and Perceived usefulness) was applied to a sample consisting of 121 higher education students. Results show that the perceived ease of use of cloud file hosting services is above that of LMS tools and services and that cloud file hosting services presented higher levels of perceived usefulness than standard learning management tools. In addition, attitude toward using cloud file hosting services is well above that of using LMS tools.     

An empirical study on the integrative pre-implementation model of technology acceptance in a mandatory environment

Technology acceptance has been studied extensively within the IS discipline. Few, if any, have studied end users’ acceptance of newly implemented technologies within organisational contexts before end users start using the technology. Thus, by integrating variables from multiple relevant literature, this research attempts to answer this research question: will the introduction of a richer model for technology acceptance in a mandatory adoption environment, specifically in the pre-implementation phase, allow us to capture and account for the complexities of organisational technology implementations? The research model was tested in an organisational setting where a new content management system was being implemented. A total of 148 employees participated in this survey and partial least squares method was used to analyse the data to test the model. Implementation climate, valence, attitude, and perceived ease of use positively influence goal commitment to technology acceptance in a mandatory environment, and the model has displayed relatively large explanatory and predictive power. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed in the paper.     

The adoption of software measures: A technology acceptance model (TAM) perspective

The use of software measures for project management and software process improvement has been encouraged for many years. However, the low level of acceptance and use of software measures in practice has been a constant concern. In this paper we propose and test a model which explains and predicts the use of software measures. The model is based on the technology acceptance model (TAM) and operationalizes the perceived usefulness construct according to the “desirable properties of software measures.” Our research provides guidance for software engineers in selecting among different software measures and for software metrics coordinators who are planning measurement programs.     

User acceptance of wireless technology in organizations: A comparison of alternative models

This paper compared two versions of technology acceptance model (TAM) in understanding the determinants of user intention to use wireless technology in the workplace. The first model is derived from original TAM that includes perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude and behavioral intention, while the alternative model is a parsimonious version in which the attitude was taken out. The results indicated that TAM, either original or parsimonious, is successful in explaining user intention to use wireless technology in organizations. In addition, the parsimonious model showed a better model fit than that of the original model.     

Extending the technology acceptance model to explore the intention to use Second Life for enhancing healthcare education

Learners need to have good reasons to engage and accept e-learning. They need to understand that unless they do, the outcomes will be less favourable. The technology acceptance model (TAM) is the most widely recognized model addressing why users accept or reject technology. This study describes the development and evaluation of a virtual environment, the online 3D world Second Life (SL), for learning rapid sequence intubation (RSI). RSI is an increasingly frequently used method of acute airway management in healthcare settings. The intention of learners to use the system was explored based on the TAM, with the computer self-efficacy construct as an external variable. Two hundred and six nursing students participated in this study. The findings suggest that the system was perceived as useful, and that the students felt confident working with computers and intended to review RSI in SL as often as needed. However, they remained neutral regarding the ease of use of the system. Strategies were suggested for boosting the students’ self-confidence in using the system. Overall use of the TAM in this context was successful, indicating the robustness of the model. The limitations of the study were discussed and further areas of research on the TAM were proposed.     

Information technology (IT) in Saudi Arabia: Culture and the acceptance and use of IT

The unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT), a model of the user acceptance of IT, synthesizes elements from several prevailing user acceptance models. It has been credited with explaining a larger proportion of the variance of ‘intention to use’ and ‘usage behavior’ than do preceding models. However, it has not been validated in non-Western cultures. Using a survey sample collected from 722 knowledge workers using desktop computer applications on a voluntary basis in Saudi Arabia, we examined the relative power of a modified version of UTAUT in determining ‘intention to use’ and ‘usage behavior’. We found that the model explained 39.1% of intention to use variance, and 42.1% of usage variance. In addition, drawing on the theory of cultural dimensions, we hypothesized and tested the similarities and differences between the North American and Saudi validations of UTAUT in terms of cultural differences that affected the organizational acceptance of IT in the two societies.     

Caregivers as a proxy for responses of dementia clients in a GPS technology acceptance study

Objective: The objective of this study was to examine the extent to which caregivers can be used to provide proxy responses for dementia clients in a study on the acceptance of GPS technology. Methods: Forty-five client–caregiver dyads used one of three GPS devices. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was used to create two questionnaires, one for dementia clients and one for caregivers, as proxies. Spearman rho bivariate correlations of responses for each UTAUT construct were used to compare the client and caregiver responses post-usage of the GPS devices. Results: The mean age of the clients was 76.02 years (SD?=?11.5). Overall, after using the GPS devices, the responses of the clients and caregivers were correlated and statistically significant (r_xy Overall summative scale?=?0.550). In addition, 4 out of 6 constructs of the UTAUT were correlated and statistically significant (p?r_xy Performance Expectancy?=?0.160; r_xy Social Influence?=?0.478; r_xy Behavioural Intention to Use?=?0.347; and r_xy Actual Use?=?0.570). Conclusion: The degree of agreement between the caregivers and clients, especially for the constructs intention to use and actual use of the GPS technology, suggested that caregivers can respond on behalf of dementia clients on technology acceptance questionnaires.     

The dual nature of prior computer experience: More is not necessarily better for technology acceptance

It is often presumed that individuals with greater computer experience will easily adopt new or updated replacements of existing information technology. To examine this assumption, this study reviews prior computer experience research, identifies two key dimensions of computer experience i.e. computer use and computer proficiency and evaluates their effects individually. Analysis of survey data from 737 respondents using structural equation modeling indicates that each dimension had differential effects on behavioral intentions to use a newly introduced internet-based technology with computer use having curvilinear effects on adoption intentions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.     

Consumer acceptance of service bundles: An empirical investigation in the context of broadband triple play

Although offering bundled services promises firms potential synergies in supply and increased revenues, the realized benefits of such a strategy are highly contingent on consumer acceptance of the bundles. Borrowing from TAM, Information Integration Theory, and the customer value concept, we developed a comprehensive model for consumer acceptance of service bundles, which is divided into four general construct types: service characteristics, usefulness/ease of use, attitude, and behavioral intention. Twelve hypotheses were derived and empirically tested in the context of broadband triple play, the bundled offering of broadband Internet access, Internet telephony, and Internet TV. Based on questionnaire responses from 214 study participants and using PLS for analysis, we found overall support for our research model. We concluded by discussing the academic and managerial value of our research, both in terms of advanced knowledge of service bundle acceptance and the adoption of triple play.     

A meta-analysis of the technology acceptance model: Investigating subjective norm and moderation effects

We conducted a quantitative meta-analysis of previous research on the technology acceptance model (TAM) in an attempt to make well-grounded statements on the role of subjective norm. Furthermore, we compared TAM results by taking into account moderating effects of one individual-related factor (type of respondents), one technology-related factor (type of technology), and one contingent factor (culture). Results indicated a significant influence of subjective norm on perceived usefulness and behavioral intention to use. Moderating effects were found for all three factors. The findings yielded managerial implications for both intra-company and market-based settings.     

The acceptance and diffusion of the innovative smart phone use: A case study of a delivery service company in logistics

Technology adoption has been the topic of several theories. We empirically assessed and integrated four models to help in predicting smart phone adoption. The varying factors were combined and a survey was conducted in five sales branches of a delivery service company. Results of the analysis of the collected data show that the relationships amongst constructs were similar. Self-efficacy was a strong predictor of behavioral intention through attitude; after innovation, diffusion theory was added. Attitude towards smart phone adoption was found to be affected mainly by testability and organizational and environmental factors. We decided that an iterative approach to implementing smart phone adoption was effective. Managerial implications are discussed.